Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has rejected calls to remove Bruno Fernandes from his group of captains.
The Portugal midfielder was called out by pundits and fans for his awful performance in Sunday’s 7-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool, with his poor conduct also called into question.
There were calls in the media for Fernandes to be removed from his position as vice-captain of United, while reports have also suggested his teammates hold reservations over giving him the armband full-time in the event skipper Harry Maguire leaves – 90min recently revealed the defender is one of several players the club have told can depart this summer.
Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League last 16 first leg at home to Real Betis, Ten Hag was asked if he still considered Fernandes as one of his captains.
“Yes, definitely,” Ten Hag replied. “I think he’s playing a brilliant season, he’s played an important role in the position that we are.
“He’s giving energy to the team, running a lot with intensity, in the right way. He’s pointing and coaching players, he’s an inspiration for the whole team.
“No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I’m happy with him as our captain with Harry not on the pitch.”
Fernandes has already featured 40 times for United this season, scoring seven goals and assisting a further 11.
